What action should be taken after a domestic violence incident report is written if no arrest is made?

• A. Issue a caution
• B. Take photos
• C. Notify supervisor
• D. Initiate a report

Answer: (D)

When a domestic violence incident is documented but no arrest is made, the primary action is to initiate a formal case report. Creating and opening a case ensures there is an official, traceable record of the incident, assigns a case number, and sets the stage for ongoing follow-up and accountability. This formal documentation supports future investigations if new evidence appears, enables coordinated victim safety planning, and ensures appropriate resources and contact from the department’s DV unit or patrol for risk assessment and follow-up contacts.

Photos and supervisor notification are important parts of case work, but they fit into the broader process of initiating and maintaining the case file rather than replacing it. Issuing a caution can be inappropriate in DV situations where ongoing risk and documentation are required, and without a formal report, the incident risks having no official track record. Initiating the report ensures the incident is officially captured, managed, and revisited as needed for safety and potential future action.